This entire article is just another testament to the survival of that distinctly American myth of the “self-made man.” The fact is, we live in a society defined by certain structures, structures that afford little to no opportunity to some, and a plethora to others.
I absolutely believe there are plenty of citizens out there making over $1 million who “pulled themselves up by their bootstraps,” working incredibly hard and investing massive amounts of time and energy.
However, I also believe there are just as many millionaires who were born to very privileged families, who afforded them every possible opportunity to make it to a position in life where they could make so much money. The exact same is true on the opposite end of the wealth spectrum: some people who make every effort to rise above their circumstances are kept down by elements beyond their control, while some make no effort at all.
You seem to equate “productivity” with automatic success and wealth, when there are many factors at work for any one individual’s success. America is the only country in the world where people are blamed for being poor. How Christian is that?
Also, why call Sen. Landrieu’s vote for the health care reform bill “self-serving,” even if it was in return for $300 million to fix Louisiana’s Medicaid system? How could Sen. Landrieu herself actually benefit from that? Other than, of course, receiving a measure of gratitude from those who are in desperate need of this Medicaid assistance (over 52 million people in the United States). I believe most people would see her actions as being in accordance with exactly what she was elected to do: look out for the people of Louisiana.
Finally, “narcissistic blowhards?” One paragraph away from quoting the Bible? I don’t disagree with you because I am a registered Democrat; I disagree with you because there are serious, deeply offensive flaws in your argument. I’d gladly read any opinion offered “through a conservative prism,” but please, sir, keep it logical.
Amanda Williams
English literature senior
